7 Quick Tips To Be More Creative

7 Quick Tips To Be More Creative 

Do you think you need to be a genius, highly intelligent or exceptionally talented to be creative?

Think again.

Studies show that creativity is not dependent on intelligence and that we are all inherently creative. Each of us has the power to be more creative. It’s part of our natural make-up and the predominant way we think as children.

The reason we lose the skill as we grow up is because of the blocks we put in the way.

Think back to when you were a child. Do you remember when anything seemed possible? You could paint like Van Gogh, play soccer like Pele or sing like Madonna.

The trouble starts as you get older. You start doubting yourself, you begin listening to other people’s opinions and as a result you block your natural creativity.

You’re already capable of creative thinking, but to get out of the creativity rut you may be in, it’s important to remove the mental blocks that you’ve picked up along the way.

Here are 7 ways to unlock your natural creativity and get your creative juices flowing once again.

#1. Record Your Ideas

Get into the habit of recording your ideas whenever something comes to mind. Even if you think you will remember it, the chances are you won’t.

I have a great memory and can often recall things in vivid detail from years ago to the constant amazement of friends and family. But even I forget those amazing insights that suddenly strike when you are out walking or relaxing at home.

That’s why I now carry a small notepad with me wherever I go.

At other times I use my Iphone’s record feature or jot things down in a journal that I keep by my bedside. Choose whatever works best for you but make sure you record your ideas at all times.

You never know when an important idea will hit you.

#2. Don’t Set Limits

Following on from the above point, it’s very important that you capture all of your ideas, even those that may seem ridiculous or impossible based on your current circumstances.

Remember, what seems impossible today may not be impossible tomorrow or for someone else.

Your job is to write down the idea and then allow it to percolate in your subconscious mind so you can attract “how” to do it. Don’t worry about finding the “how” for that will come to you.

It could well be that you need additional expertise, resources, people or events to help you take your ideas forward so don’t limit your creative thinking before you’ve even started.

#3. Change The Scenery

Spending too much time indoors, doing the same thing over and over or hanging out with the same crowd can make us dull.

Re-energize yourself, feel happier and stimulate the creative process with a change of scene.

This might sound simple but visiting someplace new or different like a park, beach or mall can really foster new ideas and give you a creative spark.

I discovered this for myself just the other day when I met up with a friend in one of London’s most beautiful parks, Regent’s Park.

Although I only live a few miles away, I realized I hadn’t taken time out of my schedule to visit one of my favorite spots in ages.

I was instantly struck by the peace and natural beauty of the park and came home refreshed and brimming with ideas for a new creative project that I’m working on.

#4. Read Broadly

I’ve already written about the importance of following other great blogs for your business, but when it comes to being more creative, you must be willing to read broadly and go off-topic occasionally.

It’s amazing how totally unrelated subjects can promote creative thinking. Often, what is working in one area can be applied to another market or niche.

By training your brain to make connections it normally wouldn’t make, you can find inspiration in entirely unrelated topics. The message here is simple – broaden your reading in order to expand your mind and with it your creativity.

#5. Get Moving

Some of my best ideas have come to me while walking, running or working out in the gym.

Human beings are designed for movement and there’s nothing more creativity-zapping than sitting at a desk all day. This article in Newsweek reveals that short bursts of activity can increase your creative powers.

You can get inspired by any form of exercise – walking, dancing, mountain biking – and the resulting creative boost can last for at least two hours afterwards. Try it and see how you get on.

#6. Focus In Spurts

It may surprise you to learn that you don’t need a lot of time to come up with potential ideas.

In fact, creativity and brainstorming work best when they’re done in short spurts.

Set a timer for 15 minutes and focus solely on idea generation. This short time span will force you to come up with dozens of ideas to address a specific issue or challenge.

Be sure to capture anything that comes to mind throughout the rest of the day as mentioned in tip #1.

I hope you can see that just a small investment in time can help you be more creative. Who knows, maybe one of these ideas could grow into something tremendous that helps others?

#7. Think Bigger

What questions are you asking to prompt your ideas?

The bigger the question, the greater the impact you could have on the world so don’t limit your thinking.

I firmly believe that there is something that only you can do on this planet. You have a unique set of experiences, knowledge and talents that could be used to help other people on a grander scale.

Follow these #7 tips and you will soon be on your way to being more creative and generating ideas that have the potential to change the world. Don’t let your previous lack of creativity keep you from developing your creative thinking skills.

Here’s a great infographic from Copyblogger with some more ideas to help you become more creative.

How to Break Out of a Creative Rut
How to Break Out of a Creative Rut infographic by BlueGlass.
Many great things have come from a simple idea.

Remember, the more creative you are, the more ideas you will be able to generate. You can be more creative even if you don’t think you are right now. The trick is to start.

Many of my clients were initially scared to set up an online business or even write a blog post. But after diving in they became more comfortable. They were willing to take a risk and make mistakes and as a result they now have a business they can be proud of and a whole host of new skills.

Being more creative and thinking up world-changing ideas is exactly the same. Everyone can be creative but you have to be willing to start. The creative process will then become more and more natural over time.



Source : https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=544466128941379&set=a.253356658052329.77591.206465936074735&type=1&theater

College Student Facebook Like Infographic

College Student Facebook Like Infographic

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Concentration On Studies

Concentration Is Like Salt Used For Food

After eagerness comes concentration on studies. One may think that motivation is all that one requires to become a good student, but it is not this easy. Remember: the journey never has a quick end. Education is what schools, colleges and universities are all made for. Concentration isn't something which is always required, but when it is, it must be done whether it is difficult or easy. It can take a long time for some people to learn how to properly concentrate in a given environment, but like in meditation or prayer, it will come with time and practice.

Concentration can be made easier following these steps:
Arouse Concentration By Increasing Its Consciousness In Your Mind
One can arouse concentration by spending extra time with some good educational chores, or spending time on the Internet searching for good articles at Wikipedia. 

You can also try chewing thick pieces of gum. The deep muscle exercising of your jaws can help you focus on the task at hand. Some people find bouncing on a big ball while studying will also move those muscles in much the same way.

Reading Books
Reading good books can arouse concentration towards studies sometimes. Try reading books related to your favorite hobbies, subjects, role models, etc.

Good Hobbies
Reading books can actually belong in this category. Like other good hobbies, it not only arouses concentration for studies, it also arouses concentration for lifetime processes.
Discussion On Projects

Discussion on certain good subjects (e.g., physics phenomena) also leads to concentration automatically. It can also help you to remember important information in those subjects, as discussing things will often embed concepts and key facts deeper into your mind.

Environment
Make sure there is nothing to distract you. You should have a working surface such as a desk in front of you, but some people may prefer to work on the floor. Remember that the optimum goal is to achieve comfort so that you can focus on your work. Clear everything off your desk or other surface so that you only have what you need on it. Nothing can make work harder than continuously looking for space to put your books, so put things you don't need on a shelf or somewhere else where they will not distract you. On top of that, make sure that there is nothing which may divert your attention away from your work such as a game, or even any books and papers which you don't need. Some people will be surprised at how much their mind can wander when they are trying to do work! Make sure you have done your dishes, cleaned the sink, and that you have done all the other things you suddenly 'want' or 'need' to do when you should start studying. Another option is to do your work in the library. Many libraries will provide a room which is specially designed for studying in. They may even go so far as to provide some light music to listen to while you work!
One major thing that you want to avoid is doing your homework on your bed, in the kitchen or in the lounge room. Your mind is conditioned to performing different activities in these rooms which do not require the same level of concentration as when you are studying. For example, if you try doing work on your bed, you may suddenly feel tired! This is because your body is used to sleeping on a bed, not doing work. Another negative effect is that you may find it harder to sleep at night, as your body becomes confused as to whether it should be concentrating or relaxing.


For the same reasons, try to avoid the following:
Eating heavy meals at your designated work area. (Light snacks might be acceptable for some people)

If you are able, try not to do your work on your computer desk if you use it mostly for playing games. That's why many houses have a 'study' room.

With time, your body will become used to concentrating at your work area, and you may find studying much easier after a while!
Time

Time is important in two ways. First, think about when you are most able to study, when you are most awake. Is it in the morning, the afternoon or in the evening? Study at that time.

Second, don't try to study for a whole day, or even a whole afternoon. Study for 45 minutes or an hour and take a break of about 15 minutes.

Students can increase their concentration by doing exercises and yoga in the morning. One of the best tips being tried by many Indian students to increase their concentration is Brahmari pranayam.


To practice it:
Sit in a relaxed posture
Take a deep breath inside
Close both of your eyes using your index and middle finger
Close your nose with your third finger
Close your ears with your thumbs
Exhale slowly

Use your creativity One effective way of developing deeper level of understanding is to use creative skills to think on the subject. One can do that by trying to arrive at the conclusion from a different point of view, or by trying to make original questions. This technique is elaborated here. Following these can help your concentration and increase your comfort so that you can focus on the work at hand.

That's it for here. Let's learn manners next.

Source: wikibooks

Seven Skills Students Need for Their Future

There are two major trends in the world that pose a fundamental challenge--and many opportunities--to our educational system. One is the world is shifting from an industrial economy to a knowledge economy. The other is the rising generation--brought up on the Internet--is very differently motivated to learn. 

These two forces, argues Dr. Tony Wagner, co-director of Harvard's Change Leadership Group, compel us to reconceptualize education in this country. In his thoughtful analysis of future industry needs and education readiness studies, Dr. Wagner has identified what he calls a "global achievement gap," which is the leap between what even our best schools are teaching, and the must-have skills of the future:

*Critical thinking and problem-solving
*Collaboration across networks and leading by influence
*Agility and adaptability
*Initiative and entrepreneurialism
*Effective oral and written communication
*Accessing and analyzing information
*Curiosity and imagination


Dr. Wagner points out that in today’s digital age, the “Net generation” is, among other things, accustomed to instant gratification and use of the web for extending friendships, interest-driven, self-directed learning; and are constantly connected, creating, and multitasking in a multimedia world—everywhere except in school.

In order to motivate and teach this generation, the school system must be reinvented to be accountable for what matters most. That means to do the work--teaching, learning, and assessing--in new ways.

Students must acquire knowledge, but “we need to use content to teach core competencies,” he states.

How to Be a Successful Student

1
Work hard. You can't be lazy if you want to be successful in school.

2
Be punctual. Develop the habit of judging time and learn how to arrive where you need to be on time.

3
Work honestly. That means, do your own work, don't copy, don't cheat. It only cheats yourself when later you can't do the things you were supposed to learn.

4
Do the homework or assignments. Get help from the teacher if you need to, and if you don't like the work, or can't find time, also talk to the teacher.

5
Learn about your own style of learning! Find out what's your best method, and try to apply it to your studies.

6
Use common sense. Realize what the class is about, what the work is supposed to teach you, how you should handle yourself with the other students.

7
Learn how to schedule your life and time to balance school work and other parts of your day. You can't do everything, and going out at night will surely take time away from studying or that deadline.

8
Talk to the teachers. If you show them you are honest and serious, or need help, they will usually respond well and offer to guide you as needed. But don't think the teacher will just pity you and excuse your poor work.

9
Read the books. If you are having reading trouble, talk to the teacher, guidance counselor, librarian, lab helper, etc. for ways to improve your reading skills.

10
Study throughout the term. Don't wait until days before the final test to study.

11
Find a serious study partner and sit together at school or home. This partner doesn't distract you, he/she encourages you and helps you.

12
Get an extra tutor if you really need help.

13
Remember your educational goals. If you can't really think of any, talk to a career counselor and learn what kind of education you will really need to get the salary or job you want.

The Do’s And Don’ts To Successfully Completing High School

1) Build relationships with teachers and counselors

See teachers after school for clarification: They love that
Keep up with all assignments
Be on time for class
Talk to your teachers and ask them how to do well in their class and or study for their test.
Showing initiative and interest in your academics is impressive to them
Don’t curse at teachers and expect not to be suspended
Don’t be obnoxious to your teachers
You will need them to write recommendations for college
You don’t want them to be obnoxious when grading your work.
Make friends in the guidance and discipline offices
Freshman year is really important do the best you can
Do not burn any bridges with teachers you may need them to write recommendations
Don’t be to proud to ask for help pride comes before the fall
Live up to your potential
2) Time Management!!!!!!!

Prioritize
Focus on what will earn scholarships
Set up a schedule
Use school agenda and or an iPod
Make sure there is a balance
Stay Organized
Develop good study skills
Don’t bite off more than you can chew
Try to get a leadership position in a co0ple clubs rather than just being a member to many
Recognize the difference between work and play
3) Academics

Take grades very seriously
Set a goal
Keep goals in mind
Try to start out strong
Play to your strengths
Take challenging courses colleges like and respect the risk factor
However if you are failing these courses it might be better for you to take courses that you can excel in
Ask upperclassmen about the classes you are thinking about taking to get their opinion on the course and to learn about how to best please teachers.
Do not work with your friends on assignments
Identify hard workers and partner with them
Student athlete’s student comes first. For athletes hard work beats talent and talent doesn’t work hard.
If you have upperclassmen friends that have taken classes you are planning to take try to get their annotated copies of book. It may give you deeper insight into the reading
Form a study group.(not just with your friends you will get nothing done).
Seek the advice of seniors who are doing well.
Join a sport of a club it’s a great way to meet people Work out a routine in order to be able to stop at your locker and get to class on time.
Do homework as soon as you get it so you will have time later to just chill
Procrastination is the enemy of success
4) Relationships

Come in humble
Do not become apart of the crowd.
Do not think you are all that because there will definitely be someone bigger prettier and stronger than you
Stay true to who you are. In high school you are exposed to a lot of different ideas and opinions that may become apart of your own. Make sure you keep a grip of who you are.
Choose your friends wisely and don’t count your eggs before they hatch
Don’t fight and expect to stay in school
Don’t be afraid to meet new people
Be confident in who you are without being arrogant.
Don’t pick fights and expect to stay in school
Don’t stare you might get punched in the face
Why fit in when you can stand out for a good thing
Don’t judge people before you know them.
Remember being popular is not all that. Don’t sell your soul for fake friends
Do not be afraid to be alone. It’s better to be alone than with people who don’t care about you.
Take risk-don’t be afraid to step away from your friends and try new things
5) Side Notes

Make plans for lunch to avoid the horrid feeling of having nowhere to sit
Keep steadfast in your faith
If you’re thinking about getting a tattoo: Don’t!
Keep your pants on your waist
Wear a belt that fits
Make sure you get plenty of rest
Don’t stress out
Roll with the punches
Try your best to keep your head above water
Avoid drama
At all cost

Why Study Engineering?

Engineers belong to the greatest profession in the world, responsible for almost everything that makes life worth living - from leisure activities to medical treatment, mobile communications to modern transport systems.

Within the wide boundaries of the engineering profession, there are thousands of challenging activities, in areas such as research, development, design, manufacture and operation of products and services. Activities which provide stimulating intellectual challenges with diverse and varied tasks, inevitably involving deadlines, and all added to the satisfaction of real output or delivery.

Demand for good engineers is high, in practically every country in the world. In the IT and electronics sectors in particular, there are world shortages of Chartered and Incorporated Engineers, and unemployment amongst professional engineers is lower than for almost any other profession.

Engineering degrees can lead to a vast number of career opportunities, with graduates in demand in almost every sector of the economy. The word used most often when referring to a career in engineering is variety; and electrical, civil, marine, chemical, software, systems, information and manufacturing engineering offer a host of alternative job opportunities for new graduates. Specialisations range from Automation to Power Generation and from Communications to Manufacturing. Within each of these fields, there are opportunities in research, design, development and tests, as well as management, production, marketing and sales. A degree can also provide a passport into the world of education.

Professional engineers also stand a better chance of becoming a chief executive than any other professional, outnumbering accountants by three to one!

The environment in which engineering professionals work has never been more dynamic. New materials, technologies and processes are being developed all the time. Increasing globalisation, new markets, and changing employment patterns also mean that an engineering career is now a truly international one.

How to Qualify

At school, students should take a board range of subjects covering both art and sciences. Mathematics and Physics are usually essential, but English is also important, and a foreign language desirable. Minimum qualifications for entry to an Engineering degree course are normally 'A' levels or equivalent in Mathematics and Physics, but a third subject in either the Arts or Sciences ensures a wider choice of degree options. Students without the relevant 'A' levels have the opportunity to 'convert' on one-year pre-entry courses at selected universities.

With the exception of a few specialist courses, it is common for all students to take the same subjects in the first year(s) of a degree, before going on to specialise in the final year(s), when they can choose from a number of options. For this reason, when selecting a course it is important to check what options are available, especially if undergraduates already have a specific career in mind. However, specialising in one area whilst at University does not preclude working in another field of the profession at a later date.

What type of degree?

There is a wide variety of undergraduate and postgraduate courses available worldwide, many of which are discussed in the articles listed on the left. However, in the end, the choice of which course to take must be a personal one, dependent on the aims, circumstances and preferences of the individual student.

After Graduation

A degree is only the beginning of the formation of a professional engineer. In order to qualify for membership of a professional engineering institution, or to qualify for Chartered Engineering status, graduates will often have a minimum of two years industrial training, and two years career development in a responsible position.

Embarking on a training programme in a major industry enables new graduates to develop experience of a wide range of jobs, and acquire a broad understanding of engineering activity outside their own branch. Students who were sponsored during their degree courses may already have spent time in industry, and will have started to give their academic studies an industrial perspective. Postgraduate training also offers graduates the chance to keep their career options open, as the opportunity to experience the work of different sectors of an industry can open up new areas of interest not previously appreciated.

The IEE accredits industrial training programmes, each year producing a list of companies that undertake to provide accredited training.

A Rewarding Future

There is little doubt that the world of engineering - and all that it encompasses -offers exciting opportunities for both men and women. The industrial and economic success of every nation is rooted firmly in its manufacturing and engineering base, and the skills and ingenuity of its professional engineers. The ability to research, develop and apply new technologies is essential, particularly in today's global markets.

In the UK alone, engineering-led industry contributes about 40% of its gross domestic product, and is the 'goose that lays the golden eggs' for its national economy. From space travel to household electrician, the role of the engineer is crucial. For anyone looking for a rewarding future with a wide variety of employment prospects, there has never been a more exciting time to embark on a career in engineering.